Captures, Stocks, Ecological and Biological Aspects of Five Marine Economic Value Fish in Three West African Countries (Benin, Togo and Guinea): Engraulis encrasicolus , Sardinella aurita , Brachydeuterus auritus , Pseudotolitus elongates and Ethmalosa fimbrita

Abstract

Fish is the first cheap price protein source in developing countries. The current report aim is to value captures and stocks of five marine fish ( Engraulis encrasicolus , Sardinella aurita , Brachydeuterus auritus , Pseudotolitus elongates and Ethmalosa fimbrita ) in later years considering their biology and ecology especially taxonomic characteristics, morphology, distribution and habitat as economic value species by using available literature data for managing natural resources to meet human and environmental needs. Data were collected from FAO basis, fishing statistic of Guinea, fisheries directorate of Benin and ministry marine economy, fisheries and coastal protection of Togo. It results from data analysis that captures are high in Guinea especially Ethmalosa fimbrita (79795.66 ± 11438.88) followed by Benin Sardinella aurita (32,000 ± 2000) and Togo Sardinella aurita (31666.66 ± 3555.55) (F ( 12, 18,812) = 14.856, p = 0.00). These data confirm fishing pressure on these species using prohibited and industrial fishing gears. Regarding these conditions, a good knowledge of population structure must be assessed with new models adapted to each country by considering climate change effects for good management and resources preservation. Besides, among species considered in the current review, some species like Pseudotolitus elongates , Ethmalosa fimbrita were recorded on the UICN red list.